In a significant development, the Ambassador of Thailand, Chakkrid Kraichaiwong, announced the revival of Thai Airways services from Pakistan, marking a promising step forward in strengthening bilateral ties. The Ambassador revealed plans to reintroduce five weekly flights from Karachi and Lahore, along with four flights from Islamabad. This announcement was made during the Ambassadors address here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday. The LCCI President Kashif Anwar, Senior Vice President Zafar Mehmood Ch, Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt, and Minister Counsellor (Commercial) at Royal Thai Embassy Bangladesh in Pakistan, Khemathat Archawathamrong, Deputy Head of Mission Royal Thai Embassy Islamabad, Kamol Wan Sriposil, and former LCCI office-bearers and Executive Committee members were also present.
Ambassador Chakkrid Kraichaiwong commended Lahore as a vibrant and culturally rich city and expressed optimism that his visit would yield positive outcomes. He elaborated on the purpose of his visit to LCCI, emphasizing the objective of expanding activities between Thailand and Pakistan. Highlighting the strategic significance of Pakistan, the Ambassador noted that Pakistan serves as a gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East for Thailand. He identified key areas of interest, including seafood, mangoes, the Halal industry and Halal cosmetics, underscoring the potential for two-way trade. He emphasized that trade between the two countries had experienced a decline after 2021. Addressing concerns about repatriation of profits for investors in Pakistan and LCs opening, the Ambassador was reassured by President LCCI Kashif Anwar, who highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in facilitating investors through streamlined one-window services. Furthermore, the Ambassador proposed that Thailand could contribute to Pakistans tourism sector, drawing on Thailands extensive experience in tourism, hospitality, and restaurant management.
He stressed the importance of preserving heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. He praised Pakistan for maintaining historical and cultural heritage in a winsome manner. Ambassador Chakkrid Kraichaiwong extended formal invitations to LCCI to participate in various exhibitions in Thailand, covering pharmaceuticals, food, auto parts, and other sectors. He also underscored the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the working sector as a priority. In his welcome address, President LCCI Kashif Anwar reiterated the strong and long standing friendship between Pakistan and Thailand, founded on a shared vision for a prosperous economic future.
He expressed a deep interest in exploring new avenues of collaboration that would benefit both nations and contribute to regional stability and economic growth. He said that collaboration in the field of tourism holds immense promise. Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape which would be of great interest to Thai tourists. Kashif Anwar emphasized the economic significance of Thailand as a key member of ASEAN with global exports exceeding $284 billion and imports surpassing $306 billion. He referred to data from the State Bank of Pakistan indicating that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Thailand reached approximately $876 million in 2022-23, with Pakistan exporting around $164 million and importing $712 million during the same period.
